Lethem Takes on a New Challenge

Nancy Lethem, who served as Development Director of The Kinsey Institute since 1999, has left that role to begin a private consulting practice.

Lethem with Board of Governor's President Ellen Ketterson and Director Julia Heiman.

Lethem helped strengthen the Kinsey Institute Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, identifying potential prospects and friends. She worked with donors to ensure the future of the Institute, grow its collections, and further its mission of leading the field of sexual health research.

“Nancy really launched development at The Kinsey Institute and did so with grace, style and devotion,” observed Director Julia Heiman.

“Nancy thought carefully about how to educate and motivate our board,” remarked Ellen Ketterson, Ph.D., IU Professor of Biology and President of the KI Board of Governors. “She made each contributor to the Kinsey, whether of small or large gifts of money or time, feel that the contribution that was possible was also highly valued and appreciated.”

“As we plan for the next board meeting, I realize again how much we relied on Nancy’s devotion to the Institute, her commitment to our development, her sky high ethical standards, and her unequaled instinct for what is appropriate,” Ketterson said.

Lethem plans to serve as a consultant for other non-profit organizations with important social aims. She will continue to work on specific development projects with The Kinsey Institute.

“The strategic planning process we have begun is a thrilling landmark for how far we’ve come in our advancement efforts -- and bodes well for the future,” Lethem told the Board of Governors in a letter explaining her decision.

Lethem’s work included several public initiatives. “Nancy was the moving force behind the Women's Sexualities events for 2003 and the Midwest premiere of the film Kinsey at IU. She will continue to inspire me in my work,” said Jennifer Bass, Head of Information Services.

“Nancy Lethem has the ‘vision thing’ that spurs those around her to think very big about the Institute’s future,” Ellen Ketterson observed. “One of her goals was to open our eyes to the possibilities and show us how to get there. I hope we will be able to actualize many of her dreams for us.”